What Makes Jazz Provision ‘Excellent’?

As Head of Leicestershire Music, Sarah leads on the delivery of The National Plan for Music Education and the strategic oversight of music education across Leicester and Leicestershire. Sarah has spent many years building meaningful partnerships to enable equity of access to music education. She is delighted to be on the Leicester Music Board to help lead the way in bridging the gap between education and industry, and supporting progression into and through a career in music.

Claire is Head of L&P for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, a charity which aims to ‘Level the Playing Field in Jazz Education’. She’s responsible for developing partnerships with MEHs and venues, creating inspirational musical opportunities for young people.

Ian is Head of Music Education at Sheffield Music Service. Previously his portfolio career included working extensively as a cello teacher, Head of Sheffield Music School, freelance cellist and orchestral director. Ian is a multi-award winning director of youth orchestras.

Cath is part of the leadership team at Lancashire Music Hub, leading on pathways and partnerships such as NYJO and Jazz Camp for Girls, alongside establishing their youth leadership group, Amplify. Cath trained as a jazz musician at LCoM and her belief in the value of creative music making and improvisation has been reflected throughout her career.

A graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Helena Summerfield has extensive experience of working in music education. Now part of the Jazz North team, she is passionate about introducing children to the genre. Helena’s work has been recognised at the 2021 ‘Will Michael Jazz Education Awards’ and the 2022 ‘Parliamentary Jazz Awards’.